I agree with Drew. At one time I fished with an 8 weight most of the time in the salt. I use a 12 wt for Tarpon, a 10 for Permit and have a couple of 8 weights for everything else. Then I tried Paula's 9 weight, loved it and bought one. I hardly ever cast an 8 wt now. The 10 wears me out but the 9 doesn't.